Hackley Football Earns Fairchester Division Championship

 

Two weeks ago, Hackley lost by one point in an incredible game versus Hopkins School. The matchup last week between Hackley (6-1) and St. Luke’s (7-0) had been cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. That was their clear shot at the divisional title. All that is left of our hopes for the Fairchester divisional title, which is a long shot. Hackley would have to beat Rye Country Day today, while undefeated St. Luke’s would have to lose to the fourth ranked team in the division, King Low. That, however, is exactly what happened. By the end of the day, Hackley had won the Fairchester divisional title!!! Hackley has not won the Fairchester divisional title since 1973.

Ten minutes before game time, I walked onto the RCD field with Sandi O’Keefe, mom of James, and the team photographer. By the Hackley team bench, I met Chris Pope, my high school football teammate and old friend from Iona Prep ’78. Last year, Coach Treglia had requested Chris, a professional photographer, to take photos of some of our games. Here was Chris. I said, “Chris, do you remember our last game of our senior year? We played New Rochelle High School in the Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving. They needed to beat us to win the New York State Championship. That was before the public school playoffs.” “Yes, Billy. Didn’t you return a kick for a touchdown?” After this game, the Hackley seniors will meet and look back fondly at their high school football days just as I did with Chris 35-years after our final game.

This chapter of the football version of a fairy tale story began in the first quarter when Mustafaa Dais received the opening kickoff and raced 32 yards to the Hackley 46 yard line. Our second series with the ball ended with Cameron Voss catching a 4-yard pass from Joey McDermott. Then, Sam Alabaster kicked the PAT (point after touchdown.) RCD countered with a 38-yard pass reception for a touchdown by James McPhail with the pass by Raishaun McGee. Henry Alderson Smith added the PAT to tie the score at 7-to-7.

In the second quarter, McDermott had long pass strikes to Ellis, Parnell, and Sweeney to drive to the 4-yard line. Cameron Voss scored again on a 4-yard pass from McDermott. Alabaster kicked his second PAT. On the following defensive stand, Omar Momani made a tackle for a loss of 7 yards. On the next play, Momani intercepted a pass and ran 28 yards to the Hackley 23-yard line. Ian Parnell scored on a 5-yard run for a touchdown. On the next defensive series, Momani caused a fumble and Ian Parnell recovered it. Elijah Ngbokoli then ran for a 45-yard touchdown run, although it was negated because of a penalty. The half-time lead was 20-7 for Hackley.

In the third quarter, RCD’s Raishaun McGee raced 48 yards for a touchdown to close the gap. Smith added the PAT. On one play, Brad Seem, Jake Israel, and Jack Ellis were converging on a tackle when Brad loosened the ball from the runner and recovered the fumble. On the next play, McDermott hit Ellis for a twelve yard completion; but the ball was loosened and three RCD players were on it. Coach Treglia yelled, “Jack, wrestle for it!” Jack, the wrestling champion that he is, wrestled the ball out of RCD hands and into his arms just as the refs finished separating bodies to see who had the ball. Whew! On the next play, Joey McDermott ran the ball up the middle of the defense. It looked like he was stopped in a cloud of RCD players; but he broke through and raced 58 yards for a touchdown and a 26-14 lead. Just before the end of the third, from his linebacker post, Luke Sweeney intercepted a rocket of a pass over the middle, and sprinted 8 yards straight through the RCD offense.

In the fourth quarter, Ian Parnell scored a 1-yard touchdown run and a 31-yard touchdown pass. Alabaster hit one PAT. RCD’s Tyler Miller scored on a 2-yard run, and Smith added the PAT. The final score was 39-21 in favor of Hackley.

After the game, the place turned into a ‘Water Bucket Dumping Fest.’ First, Coach Rob Cerone dumped a water bucket on all of the players as they were talking among themselves. Zach Reeber came out of the bunch, showed his drenched t-shirt, and said with a big smile, “I think I got the full brunt of that.”

Jason Edwards, our Athletic Director and architect of the team, walked assuredly onto the field by the team and checked his cell phone. Then, he softly announced, “St. Luke’s is losing by six points with three minutes remaining.” Everything stopped; mouths were locked open, as eyes and ears zeroed in on Mr. Edwards. Most people had not thought much about considering whether or not St. Luke’s might actually lose today. But, now the thought arose from all the beating hearts right there that Hackley School’s Varsity Football Team still had a shot at the championship! Hopes shot high again!. Laughter and happiness bellowed out of that place. Any type of sadness about the end of anyone’s high school football career was instantly erased. Everybody was jovial and hopeful. Photo opportunities abounded. We had two photographers competing for the attention of players, staff, staff and players, players with parents, etc. Everyone was a star! The ten seniors were in a picture with everyone pointing at Harry Lieblich as Harry gave the thumbs up sign.

The party moved off the field to a grassy area where the football team moms had set up their last buffet meal, something they had done all season long. People were eating, and talking, and having their pictures taken. People were munching on an assortment of goodies including pumpkin pie, wedges, soft beverages, and brownies. In what seemed like a half hour later, Jason Edwards announced with a wide smile on his face, “St. Luke’s lost the game.” Coach Connelly quickly added, “Hackley wins the division!” Congratulations went all around the fiesta. Yes, this fiesta was for the record books too.

Coach Treglia must be complimented for getting the most out of his players this year. The transformation of the kicking game was astonishing because Sam Alabaster chose to play football instead of soccer. The new team depth showed itself early and often with the emergence of good players at every position. The offense led the league with scoring with 42 points per game. Coach Connelly’s defense silenced the other high-powered offenses throughout the league. To the team, Coach Connelly said, “Way to go out on top!” Coach Rob Cerone has been the linebackers and wide receivers coach. Coach Adam Waterbury has been the offensive and defensive line coach. Coach Nick Pareate has been the defensive backs and running backs coach. All the coaches need to be applauded for leading the team to a championship win!

The Overall Player of the Game was Joey McDermott. Joey passed for three touchdowns (17 yards, 4 yards, and 31 yards) and ran for one (58 yards.) He completed 19 of 25 passes for 252 yards. He also ran for 79 yards on 7 carries. Joey finished the year with a whopping 146 Quarterback Rating. He finished the season with 1,517 yards passing, 18 passing touchdowns with no interceptions. He also rushed for 525 yards and scored 9 rushing touchdowns.

Captain Ben Jurcic can be considered dominant at his offensive and defensive line positions. Ben was a huge reason for his quarterback’s success, as well as his linebackers’ success. Linemen rarely get the credit they deserve. Ben finished the year with 22 tackles.

The Offensive Player of the Game was Ian Parnell. Ian scored three touchdowns today. Two touchdowns were rushing (5 yards and 1 yard.) One touchdown was receiving (31 yards.) For his senior season, Ian finished with 9 rushing touchdowns and 461 yards rushing on 70 carries. He also had 4 receiving touchdowns with 368 receiving yards on 24 receptions. He finished the year with 44 tackles.

Cameron Voss gets honorable mention for Offensive Player of the Game with two receiving touchdowns (17 yards and 4 yards) in the first half. Coach Connelly mentioned about our win, “Coach (Treglia) saved 36 (Cameron Voss) as a secret weapon.”

The Defensive Player of the Game was Ilan Gressel. Ilan had 11 tackles which led the team. He played inside linebacker and finished the year with 44 overall tackles, tied for second highest on the team.

Captain Luke Sweeney receives honorable mention for Defensive Player of the Game with 10 tackles and a timely interception. Luke finished the season with 60 tackles which is the team high. He rushed for 223 yards on 34 attempts, and scored 4 rushing touchdowns. He caught 25 passes for 358 yards, and scored 3 receiving touchdowns.

Captain Jack Ellis caught several passes today and made several key tackles. Jack finished the year with 31 tackles. He caught 7 passes this year for 100 yards and scored 1 touchdown on a pass.

Jake Israel played center, the most difficult position in sports. He was flawless at hiking the ball to his quarterback. An efficient offense like Hackley’s is epitomized by an excellent center.

Henry Molner made some big plays throughout the season at wide receiver and defensive back. All winning teams have good quality depth. Henry was our ace.

Brad Seem played his defensive end position with relentless abandon. Brad created havoc wherever he went on the football field. Brad finished the year with 31 tackles.

Will Walker played linebacker with great fervor. Although he was injured mid-way through the season, he will always be remembered as a solid teammate whose quickness allowed for the occasional sack and rushed pass.

Mustafaa Dais finshed the year with 632 yards receiving for an 18 yards per catch average.

James O’Keefe (57) played the entire game at offensive line despite an apparent sprain; he was a force to be reckoned with.

Elijah Ngbokoli rushed for 258 yards on the year. His average per rush is 9 yards per carry. He scored 4 touchdowns.

Last year, Rye Country Day won the division at Hackley on the last day of the season. This year, Hackley won the division at Rye Country Day on the last day of season.

(Thanks to Jean Sweeney for editing these articles. Thanks also to Waits May for much encouragement regarding the articles.)